Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

The world is changing rapidly. Learning standards need to adjust to reflect the reality of today's students in a way that will help them succeed. Learning standards for English language arts, math, and science were last updated more than 10 years ago. State law requires OSPI “periodically revise the state learning standards, as needed, based on student learning goals." OSPI started working with educators in the fall of 2023 to revise the learning standards. The agency seeks feedback on drafts of the updated learning standards. Click to review the proposed updates and to submit feedback. https://lnkd.in/gZqWS78n?

New data shows a jump in the number of students enrolled in Washington's College in the High School (CiHS) program! A whopping 10,000 more students enrolled in the program during the 2023–24 school year! Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill in 2022 making CiHS classes free. The law took effect in 2023. High school teachers teach the courses in high schools using college curriculum and textbooks. The dual credit classes allow students to earn both high school and college credits. Fees for dual credit classes can be a barrier for students. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has long advocated for the removal of these fees. The Superintendent is including another request to remove fees associated with dual credit programs in his 2025 budget proposals to the Governor and Legislature. Click the link to learn more about dual credit options, including College in the High School: https://lnkd.in/dWhrTKXX #WAedu

The 2024 Apple Cup isn't until Saturday, but the flags are already flying! Well, this pic is from a couple of years ago but the sentiment is the same. OSPI Chief of Staff Tennille Jeffries-Simmons stepped in to officiate the friendly rivalry between State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (a WSU grad) and Deputy Superintendent Michaela Miller (a UW Grad). #WAedu

Linda Belton has one rule, "nobody goes hungry." Belton is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Small Miracles. The organization partners with the Wenatchee School District to provide free summer meals to children. School districts across the state work with different organizations on summer meal programs. In this video, OSPI visits the Colville School District 115, Wenatchee School District, Auburn School District #408, and Seattle Public Schools to learn more about how these districts are helping ensure children get quality, nutritious food during the summer. Visit OSPI's YouTube channel to watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gdWragXg Hunger Intervention Program #WAedu

"Effective teaching goes beyond delivering content — it's about understanding, embracing, and accommodating the unique needs of each learner," said 2024 Washington State Teacher of the Year Blaire Penry. Penry collaborated with OSPI on a series of blog posts and videos focusing on her experiences in public education both as a student and as a teacher. Penry's visit to Highline Public Schools is the focus of her newest article and video. Penry spent the day at a middle school with special education teacher Edissa Jaramillo. The educators discuss the complexity of teaching middle schoolers and strategies for incorporating student voice in the classroom, among other topics. #WAedu Auburn School District #408

Newly released data from the spring 2024 state assessments shows continued recovery in math. The growth in math scores marks the third consecutive year-over-year increase. Math scores in Washington saw the largest decrease during the pandemic. The steady improvement in scores highlights the intentional, focused efforts of Washington's educators to support math recovery. English Language Arts scores indicate the need for a renewed focus on literacy. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal's 2025 budget proposal includes requests to fund reading tools and early literacy programs like the Imagination Library of Washington. State assessments are offered each spring to students in grades 3–8 and 10. The tests are designed to measure whether a student is on track for college-level learning without needing remedial classes. Said Reykdal, "The state tests are not Pass/Fail and students who do not meet the college readiness proficiency standard are not necessarily below grade level in their knowledge. On the tests, students demonstrate their grade-level knowledge and skills along a continuum of complexity.” #WAedu

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Data from the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey show that 15% of Washington's students reported they had considered suicide. It's the lowest rate in well over a decade, and there's more that all of us can do to help build on this progress. Find mental health resources for students from OSPI: https://lnkd.in/gJnBPjwR

This September is the fifth annual Month of the Kindergartener! In 2019, the Legislature unanimously passed a bill declaring September the Month of the Kindergartener. The bill originally stemmed from a student project. This month is all about celebrating new kindergarteners as they begin their K-12 journey. Find more ideas for celebrations here: https://lnkd.in/d-5uHqxa #WAedu

The 2024 Washington State Teacher of the Year is telling her story! Auburn School District #408#408#408's Blaire Penry collaborated with OSPI on a series of blog posts and videos focusing on her experiences in public education both as a student and as a teacher. In her first post, Penry writes about the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom. "They [students] need to know that this is their space where they can bring themselves every day," she said. In both the post and the video, Penry highlights how first-grade teacher Nelda Trujillo builds strong relationships with students and families. Penry also talks with a student about the impact of a welcoming classroom environment. The annual Educator Awards is on Saturday, September 28. Each week until the event, OSPI will release a new blog post and video from the collaboration with Penry. https://lnkd.in/ggYmWVzp #WAedu ? Puget Sound ESD

"My heart is shattered for the victims of today’s tragedy and their families," said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal of the shooting today at a high school in Georgia. "School is supposed to be a safe place, where students learn and engage with their peers, and where educators and school staff do one of the most important jobs in the world." The Washington Legislature has taken steps in recent years to reduce gun violence in our schools and communities. According to research by Everytown for Gun Safety, Washington state ranks #9 for the strength of our gun safety laws. "This nation is past due for more common-sense gun legislation," said Reykdal. "We have got to do better."